NICU Interview

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Hi All,

This is my first post here at allnurses, and I need HELP! I am a new grad (well, I graduate 2 weeks from today), and I have been applying like crazy to NICUs within a 3 hour radius from my hometown. These positions were specifically for new grads... I have had 3 interviews with no success. They have all chosen different applicants. I have one last interview at a large childrens hospital in my states capital. I am SO excited, but so nervous... so long story short.. give me all your interview tips, what NICU managers look for, etc. I need all the help I can get. Especially whatever tips I can get from former/current NICU management especially! :)

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Specializes in NICU.

Why do you want to work in NICU?

Why do you want to work at XXX Hospital?

What do you know about the NICU?

I had a 135 hr. Capstone placement at a Level IV NICU, so I had some exposure to a NICU. My phone interview was 9 min with the manager. My in person interview was 10 min. with a charge nurse about my Capstone, 30 min. tour of the unit, and a 3 min. talk with the manager. I believe it was just a formality to hire me. They had to fill their 1 male nurse quota (LOL).

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Thank you for your reply! Unfortunately, my school did not do a capstone... I sure wished it had! Seems like it would help get my into a place I want to be! But I will be thinking of my answers to those questions as well

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Specializes in NICU.

Although they can't ask you about experience in a NICU (new grad/ no Capstone), your ability to understand what your role would be and explain what you know about a NICU will show true interest. Be familiar (just know what they are) with some of the diagnosis of babies in the NICU: Prematurity, Gastroschisis, Intraventricular Hemorrhage, Jaundice, Meconium Aspiration Syndrome, Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), Tetralogy of Fallot.

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Specializes in NICU.

Tell them how you plan to obtain as much experience as possible because your goal is to become certified .

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